Identification, quantification and analysis of observable anthropogenic debris along swiss river and lakes (IQAASL)

IQAASL is a project sponsored by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment to quantify shoreline trash along swiss lakes and rivers. Multiple small scale litter surveys are completed at different locations within a designated survey area. For the year 2020/2021 the survey areas were defined by the municipalities that border the Aare, Rhône, Ticino and Linth/Limmat rivers and any lakes or rivers that contribute to one of these rivers.

What is a litter survey?

A litter survey is the identification and count of all anthropogenic objects found within a delimited area, in this study all surveys were bordered on one side by water (a river or lake). Each object is placed into one of 260 categories¹. The location, date, survey dimensions and the total number of objects in each category is noted.

Purpose of the surveys

The survey results help ALL stakeholders identify the items that make up the mass of trash found in the natural environment and where those objects are most likely to be found. The surveys answer the following questions:

  • What items are found?
    • The most abundant objects from the water feature and the survey area sorted by total object count
  • How much is found ? (total weights and item counts)
    • Total object count, total weight and weight of plastics
  • How often are these items found?
    • How often the most abundant items were identified
  • Where do you find the most?
    • Pieces of trash per meter (pcs/m): the ratio of number of objects found to the length of the shoreline for each survey location

These are the most frequently asked questions and should be considered when determining any mitigation or reduction strategies.

Assumptions:

  • The more trash there is on the ground the more a person is likely to find
  • The survey results represent the minimum amount of trash at that site²
  • For each survey: finding one item does not effect the chance of finding another³

Purpose of this report

Summarize the results for the water feature and define the magnitude of those results with respect to the rest of the survey area.

Contents of this report

Scope: description of water feature

  • survey locations
  • lakes and rivers
  • municipalities and effected population

Survey dimensions: locations, aggregated totals

  • weights and measures: cumulative
  • weights and measures: cumulative by survey location
  • survey totals by location: pcs/m by date
  • material type: % of total

Trash removed: the most abundant objects

  • the most common objects from the survey area
  • the most common objects from all the survey areas
  • pcs/m of most common objects for all survey locations of the water feature

Trash removed: the most frequent

  • The rate at which the most frequent objects were identified

Trash removed: utility

  • utility classification: % total of all objects found

Annex

  • effective data: report of missing records
  • correlation of results to local conditions
  • survey location coordinates
  • itemized list of objects removed

More information

For more information about the project visit project home.

If you would like more information about this survey area please contact:

  1. Swiss federal office for the environment - Municipal waste section
  2. analyst@hammerdirt.ch

¹ The EU guide on monitoring marine litter
² There is most likely more trash at the survey site, but certainly not less than what was recorded.
³ Independent observations : stats stackexchange

Results: Bielersee

Scope

Survey locations, municipalities

For the period between 2020-01 and 2021-04, 4,618 objects were removed and identified in the course of 38 surveys. Those surveys were conducted at 9 different locations. There are 7 different municipalities represented in these results with a combined population of approximately 69,425

The municipalities in this report:

Biel/Bienne, Gals, Le Landeron, Ligerz, Lüscherz, Nidau, Vinelz

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Survey dimensions, location and aggregated totals.

Cumulative totals all data

The cumulative results from 38 samples, weights are in kilograms, time is in hours

index # samples pieces of trash meters surveyed m² surveyed total weight plastic > 5mm weight plastic < 5mm weight labor hours
summary total
Bielersee 39 4,618 1,281 6,228 13 6.79 0.0 136.0

Cumulative totals by water feature

# samples pieces of trash meters surveyed m² surveyed total weight plastic > 5mm weight plastic < 5mm weight labor hours
location
Bielersee_Vinelz_FankhauserS 12 898 238 536 3 1.864 0.000840 39
Camp des pêches 1 53 37 93 0 0.035 0.000000 3
Gals reserve 2 48 38 64 0 0.405 0.000001 5
Ligerz strand 2 143 15 49 0 0.294 0.000000 5
Lüscherz plage 5 194 302 649 1 0.302 0.000043 13
Lüscherz two 1 8 21 21 0 0.100 0.000000 2
Müllermatte 13 2,964 512 4,291 5 3.348 0.001819 59
Nidau strand 1 63 25 105 0 0.002 0.000236 3
Strandboden-Biel 2 247 93 420 2 0.440 0.000172 7

Survey totals and material type

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The most abundant objects

Combined, the ten most abundant objects from Bielersee represent 65% of all objects found on Bielersee.

Of the most abundant objects on Bielersee, 7 are also among the most abundant in the Aare survey area.

  1. Fragmented plastics
  2. Glass or ceramic drink bottles, pieces
  3. Expanded polystyrene
  4. Food wrappers; candy, snack packaging
  5. Cigarette butts and filters
  6. Packaging plastic nonfood or unknown
  7. Industrial sheeting

The most abundant objects: results by survey location

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How often are these objects found?

Some objects are found often and in elevated quantities, others are found often and in small quantities and some objects are found less often but in large quantities. Knowing the diffference can help find the sources.

The number of surveys where at least one of the most abundant objects were found

Note The survey area results include the results from the current water feature

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Utility: percent of total objects collected

The utility type is based on the utilisation of the object prior to it being discarded. Objects that are found are placed into to one of the 260 categories. Those categories are grouped according to utilisation.

For example, a piece of plastic could be placed into the category 'Fragmented plastics', depending on its size. However, a piece of plastic that was once a bucket and we know this because we are familiar with either the brand or the product or if we recognize it as a piece of a bucket it is placed in the code for buckets⁸.

  • wastewater: items released from water treatment plants includes items likely toilet flushed
  • micro plastics (< 5mm): fragmented plastic items and pre-production plastic resins
  • infrastructure: items related to construction and maintenance of all infratructure items
  • food and drink: primarily single use plastic items related to consuming food and drinks outdoors
  • agriculture: primarily industrial sheeting includes mulch films
  • tobacco: primarily cigarette ends includes all smoking related material
  • recreation: includes fishing, hunting, boating and beach related objects, excludes food, drink and tobacco items
  • packaging non food and drink: packaging or wrapping material not identified as food, drink nor tobacco related
  • plastic fragments: foam and plastic fragments of indeterminate origin and use
  • personal items: accessories, hygiene and clothing related

⁸ See the annex for the complete list of objects identified, includes category and group classification - the code for a buckets is G57

More information

Contact analyst@hammerdirt.ch for any questions about the content of this report. If you would like a report for your municipality contact the Swiss federal office for the environment: Municipal waste section.

Have a great day

This project was made possible by the Swiss federal office for the environment.
This document originates from https://github.com/hammerdirt-analyst/iqals all copyrights apply.
roger@hammerdirt.ch pushed the run button on 2021-05-25.

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Annex

  1. Effective data
  2. Correlation of results
  3. Survey location GPS
  4. Inventory of all objects removed

Effective data

The data is submitted in two parts. If a survey is missing either part we check the paper records and update when possible.

All the surveys found a home in the dimensional data

All dimensional records found a home in the survey data!

Correlation of results to local conditions

The survey results for the most abundant objects were ranked against population and three other criteria for each survey location. Within a radius of 1500m of each survey location the following characteristics were calculated:

  • buildings: m² of surface area attributed to buildings

  • streets: length in meters of all roads

  • number of stream/river discharge points

The three attributes were evaluated seperately and combined - urbanization. Urbanization is the weighted value of the sum of population, buildings and streets for each survey. The values were evaluated using the Spearmans rank correlation with p= 0.1. The results can be interpreted in the following way:

  • " + " - positive correlation: the chances of finding the object and the quantity found were increased as the amount of the attrubute increased within 1500m the survey area.

  • " - " - negative correlation: neither the chances or the quantity of finding the object found were increased by this attribute, and previously it was found in greater quantities when this atribute was minimized within 1500m of the survey area.

  • " NA " - no effect: there is no statistical basis to reject a null effect by this attribute based on the current results.

Important! Results vary for each location and at each survey. A correlation is not a sign of causation.

Annex

Survey locations

latitude longitude city water_name
location
Bielersee_Vinelz_FankhauserS 47.038398 7.108311 Vinelz Bielersee
Camp des pêches 47.052812 7.074053 Le Landeron Bielersee
Gals reserve 47.046272 7.085007 Gals Bielersee
Ligerz strand 47.083979 7.135894 Ligerz Bielersee
Lüscherz plage 47.047955 7.151242 Lüscherz Bielersee
Lüscherz two 47.047519 7.152829 Lüscherz Bielersee
Müllermatte 47.133339 7.227907 Biel/Bienne Bielersee
Nidau strand 47.127196 7.232613 Nidau Bielersee
Strandboden-Biel 47.132510 7.233142 Biel/Bienne Bielersee

Annex

Inventory of all items

item quantity % of total utility % of samples
code
G27 Cigarette butts and filters 794 17.2 tobacco 78.9
Gfrags Fragmented plastics 748 16.2 plastic pieces 97.4
G30 Food wrappers; candy, snack packaging 344 7.4 food and drink 86.8
G67 Industrial sheeting 316 6.8 agriculture 92.1
Gfoam Expanded polystyrene 186 4.0 infrastructure 63.2
G200 Glass or ceramic drink bottles, pieces 177 3.8 food and drink 68.4
G941 Packaging plastic nonfood or unknown 172 3.7 packaging non food 60.5
G89 Plastic construction waste 94 2.0 infrastructure 71.1
G25 Tobacco; plastic packaging, containers 94 2.0 tobacco 76.3
G940 Foamed EVA for crafts and sports 92 2.0 recreation 31.6
G117 Styrofoam < 5mm 79 1.7 micro plastics (< 5mm) 36.8
G213 Paraffin wax 76 1.6 recreation 28.9
G74 Insulation: includes spray foams and foam board 73 1.6 infrastructure 52.6
G112 Industrial pellets (nurdles) 71 1.5 micro plastics (< 5mm) 60.5
G904 Fireworks; rocket caps, exploded parts & packa... 71 1.5 recreation 65.8
G95 Cotton bud/swab sticks 65 1.4 waste water 50.0
G177 Foil wrappers, aluminum foil 63 1.4 food and drink 63.2
G156 Paper fragments 49 1.1 not classified 31.6
G106 Plastic fragments angular <5mm 47 1.0 micro plastics (< 5mm) 47.4
G73 Foamed items & pieces (non packaging/insulatio... 40 0.9 recreation 31.6
G24 Lid/cap rings from plastic bottles/containers 36 0.8 food and drink 44.7
G23 Lids unidentified 35 0.8 packaging non food 39.5
G31 Lollypop sticks 35 0.8 food and drink 39.5
G35 Straws and stirrers 34 0.7 food and drink 44.7
G33 Cups, lids, single use foamed and hard plastic 32 0.7 food and drink 42.1
G178 Metal bottle caps, lids & pull tabs from cans 31 0.7 food and drink 47.4
G211 Other medical items (swabs, bandaging, adhesiv... 29 0.6 personal items 50.0
G50 String < 1cm 28 0.6 recreation 36.8
G10 Food containers single use foamed or plastic 26 0.6 food and drink 44.7
G922 Labels, bar codes 23 0.5 packaging non food 28.9
G32 Toys and party favors 21 0.5 recreation 39.5
G22 Lids for chemicals, detergents (non-food) 21 0.5 infrastructure 34.2
G204 Construction material; bricks, pipes, cement 20 0.4 infrastructure 5.3
G21 Drink lids 18 0.4 food and drink 28.9
G137 Clothing, towels & rags 18 0.4 not classified 21.1
G908 Tape; electrical, insulating 17 0.4 infrastructure 34.2
G152 Cigarette boxes, tobacco related paper/cardboard 16 0.3 tobacco 13.2
G125 Balloons and balloon sticks 16 0.3 recreation 23.7
G87 Tape, masking/duct/packing 15 0.3 infrastructure 23.7
G159 Corks 15 0.3 food and drink 21.1
G93 Cable ties; steggel, zip, zap straps 15 0.3 infrastructure 26.3
G66 Straps/bands; hard, plastic package fastener 15 0.3 infrastructure 26.3
G191 Wire and mesh 14 0.3 agriculture 26.3
G927 String trimmer line, used to cut grass, weeds,... 13 0.3 not classified 13.2
G98 Diapers - wipes 13 0.3 waste water 23.7
G923 Tissue, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels 12 0.3 personal items 15.8
G905 Hair clip, hair ties, personal accessories pl... 11 0.2 personal items 23.7
G3 Bags; plastic shopping/carrier/grocery and pieces 11 0.2 packaging non food 15.8
G928 Ribbons and bows 11 0.2 not classified 23.7
G100 Medical; containers/tubes/ packaging 11 0.2 waste water 26.3
G91 Biomass holder 10 0.2 waste water 21.1
G142 Rope , string or nets 10 0.2 recreation 10.5
G198 Other metal pieces < 50cm 10 0.2 not classified 21.1
G161 Processed timber 10 0.2 agriculture 10.5
G70 Shotgun cartridges 10 0.2 recreation 21.1
G914 Paperclips, clothespins, plastic utility items 10 0.2 personal items 10.5
G153 Cups, food containers, wrappers (paper) 10 0.2 food and drink 15.8
G936 Sheeting ag. greenhouse film 9 0.2 agriculture 18.4
G942 Plastic shavings from lathes, CNC machining 9 0.2 not classified 15.8
G34 Cutlery, plates and trays 9 0.2 food and drink 18.4
G4 Small plastic bags; freezer, zip-lock etc. 9 0.2 packaging non food 13.2
G96 Sanitary-pads/panty liners/tampons 9 0.2 waste water 18.4
G186 Industrial scrap 8 0.2 infrastructure 13.2
G28 Pens, lids, mechanical pencils etc. 8 0.2 personal items 18.4
G26 Cigarette lighters 8 0.2 tobacco 18.4
G115 Foamed plastic <5mm 8 0.2 micro plastics (< 5mm) 15.8
G148 Cardboard (boxes and fragments) 7 0.2 not classified 7.9
G165 Ice cream sticks, toothpicks, chopsticks 7 0.2 food and drink 18.4
G101 Dog feces bag 7 0.2 personal items 10.5
G175 Cans, beverage 7 0.2 food and drink 10.5
G122 Plastic fragments ( >1mm) 7 0.2 micro plastics (< 5mm) 2.6
G118 Small industrial spheres <5mm 7 0.2 micro plastics (< 5mm) 7.9
G170 Wood (processed) 6 0.1 agriculture 7.9
G48 Rope, synthetic 6 0.1 recreation 15.8
G7 Drink bottles < = 0.5L 6 0.1 food and drink 10.5
G939 Flowers, plants plastic 6 0.1 not classified 10.5
G59 Fishing line monofilament (angling) 5 0.1 recreation 10.5
G901 Mask medical, synthetic 5 0.1 personal items 10.5
G134 Other rubber 5 0.1 not classified 7.9
G68 Fiberglass fragments 5 0.1 infrastructure 13.2
G141 Carpet 5 0.1 not classified 7.9
G208 Glass or ceramic fragments > 2.5 cm 5 0.1 not classified 7.9
G124 Other plastic or foam products 4 0.1 not classified 5.3
G20 Caps and lids 4 0.1 packaging non food 10.5
G203 Tableware ceramic or glass, cups, plates, pieces 4 0.1 not classified 7.9
G131 Rubber bands 4 0.1 personal items 5.3
G49 Rope > 1cm 4 0.1 recreation 5.3
G116 Granules <5mm 4 0.1 micro plastics (< 5mm) 2.6
G2 Bags 4 0.1 packaging non food 5.3
G143 Sails and canvas 4 0.1 recreation 10.5
G133 Condoms incl. packaging 3 0.1 waste water 7.9
G119 Sheetlike user plastic (>1mm) 3 0.1 micro plastics (< 5mm) 2.6
G931 Tape-caution for barrier, police, construction... 3 0.1 infrastructure 2.6
G194 Cables, metal wire(s) often inside rubber or p... 3 0.1 infrastructure 7.9
G38 Coverings; plastic packaging, sheeting for pro... 3 0.1 agriculture 7.9
G64 Fenders 3 0.1 not classified 2.6
G167 Matches or fireworks 3 0.1 recreation 2.6
G135 Clothes, footware, headware, gloves 3 0.1 personal items 7.9
G176 Cans, food 3 0.1 food and drink 5.3
G917 Terracotta balls 3 0.1 not classified 5.3
G158 Other paper items 3 0.1 not classified 5.3
G182 Fishing; hooks, weights, lures, sinkers etc. 2 0.0 recreation 2.6
G103 Plastic fragments rounded <5mm 2 0.0 micro plastics (< 5mm) 5.3
G921 Ceramic tile and pieces 2 0.0 infrastructure 5.3
G188 Other cans < 4 L 2 0.0 infrastructure 2.6
G201 Jars, glass or pottery, includes pieces 2 0.0 not classified 2.6
G155 Fireworks paper tubes and fragments 2 0.0 recreation 5.3
G933 Bags, cases for accessories; glasses, electron... 2 0.0 personal items 5.3
G12 Cosmetics, non-beach use personal care containers 2 0.0 personal items 5.3
G930 Foam earplugs 2 0.0 personal items 5.3
G145 Other textiles 2 0.0 not classified 5.3
G929 Electronics and pieces; sensors, headsets etc. 2 0.0 personal items 5.3
G104 Plastic fragments subrounded <5mm 1 0.0 micro plastics (< 5mm) 2.6
G913 Pacifier 1 0.0 personal items 2.6
G8 Drink bottles > 0.5L 1 0.0 food and drink 2.6
G938 Toothpicks, dental floss plastic 1 0.0 food and drink 2.6
G202 Light bulbs 1 0.0 not classified 2.6
G926 Chewing gum, often contains plastics 1 0.0 food and drink 2.6
G71 Shoes sandals 1 0.0 personal items 2.6
G36 Bags/sacks heavy duty plastic for 25 Kg or mor... 1 0.0 agriculture 2.6
G918 Safety pins, paper clips, small metal utility ... 1 0.0 personal items 2.6
G90 Plastic flower pots 1 0.0 agriculture 2.6
G197 Other metal 1 0.0 not classified 2.6
G916 Pencils and pieces 1 0.0 personal items 2.6
G171 Other wood < 50cm 1 0.0 agriculture 2.6
G157 Paper 1 0.0 not classified 2.6
G53 Nets and pieces < 50cm 1 0.0 recreation 2.6
G52 Nets and pieces 1 0.0 recreation 2.6
G5 Generic plastic bags 1 0.0 packaging non food 2.6
G37 Mesh bags 1 0.0 not classified 2.6
G172 Other wood > 50cm 1 0.0 agriculture 2.6
G210 Other glass/ceramic 1 0.0 not classified 2.6
G43 Tags fishing or industry (security tags, seals) 1 0.0 recreation 2.6
G41 Glove industrial/professional 1 0.0 agriculture 2.6
G150 Milk cartons, tetrapack 1 0.0 food and drink 2.6
G149 Paper packaging 1 0.0 packaging non food 2.6
G129 Inner tubes and rubber sheets 1 0.0 not classified 2.6